Paper withdraws request for gun permit, new group makes request

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - More arguments today about disclosing the names of people who have concealed weapons permits. The Bangor Daily News has withdrawn its Freedom of Access requests to get the names of everyone in Maine carrying a concealed weapons permit.

That request prompted angry protests from gun owners, police and politicians around the state. But now a second person or group ---calling itself "Celebration Connection"- has filed Freedom of Access requests with the Maine Department of Public Safety for the same information.

At the Statehouse, Republican leaders said today they need to immediately pass legislation to ban the release of that information. One Democratic leader wasn't ready to commit to supporting that plan, but agreed the issue is serious and needs action.

Republicans are supporting a plan by the Governor to submit emergency legislation that would be voted on next Tuesday. That bill would temporarily block release of names of concealed weapons permit holders, and give the Legislature time for a regular public hearing and vote on the bill.

As for the new person or group looking for that list, Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says they don't know who "Celebration Connection" is or why they want the information.